One of our medical editors, Dr. Leslie
J. Schoenfield, lost his battle with cancer on July 28,
2003. All of us at MedicineNet are saddened by Les's passing. At MedicineNet, Les
was a talented editor, a clear and rigorous thinker, and an inspiring leader.
The world of medicine also has lost a productive and respected leader.

Dr. Schoenfield served as associate professor of medicine and consultant in
gastroenterology on the faculty of the Mayo Clinic for seven years. He became a
professor of medicine in residence at UCLA from 1972 to 1999 (now emeritus). He
was the director of gastroenterology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los
Angeles for 25 years, where he received the chief resident's teaching award,
the president's award, and the pioneer of medicine award.

Les received his pioneer of medicine award for his cutting-edge research into
the cause and treatment of gallstones. In the research laboratory, he studied
bile acids and their role in the development of gallstones. In the 1980's he
was the director of the National Cooperative Gallstone Study, a large,
multi-centered study that evaluated the treatment of gallstones with oral
medications. This study ultimately led to the approval of oral medications for
the treatment of gallstones.

Les received the chief resident's award for his dedication to medical
education and the training of medical students, residents, and fellows. Over the
decades he had helped train many physicians who became practicing
gastroenterologists, researchers, professors, and authorities in their
respective fields. In fact, two of MedicineNet.com's medical editors trained under
him as residents and fellows.

For the men and women of MedicineNet.com, working with Les was a privilege and a
pleasure. He was an inspiration to us all and someone we looked to for clarity
of thought and the highest of ethics. His passion for writing and his emphasis
on objectivity, clarity, comprehensiveness, and scientific rigor heavily
influenced the creation and the subsequent development of MedicineNet.com. We will
forever cherish the fond memories of his friendship, his quiet sense of humor,
his thoughtfulness, and his gentle style of leadership and consensus building.